Ceremony to mark change in Alamo oversight

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott shares a laugh with news reporters during a round table talk in his office at the Texas Capitol, Wednesday, June 3, 2015, in Austin, Texas. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)

Photo: Eric Gay, Associated Press

SAN ANTONIO - A solemn observance at the Alamo on Friday will mark the end of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas' 110-year custodianship of the Shrine of Texas Liberty.

The organization was created in 1891 and became the Alamo custodian in 1905, but was ordered out of that role in March, when the DRT began relinquishing authority to the Texas General Land Office, led by Land Commissioner George P. Bush.

Last month, Gov. Greg Abbott signed legislation changing the composition of the state's Alamo advisory board, removing a DRT representative from that body and requiring San Antonio and the land office to map the Alamo's future.

Although the DRT will continue operating a research center and conducting programs on the hallowed Alamo grounds, its custodial contract with the state ends at 5 p.m. Friday. That's when DRT members and supporters will gather in front of the Alamo to mark the end of their duty.

"Bittersweet is the word that comes to mind," said Dr. Betty J. Edwards of Harris County, DRT president general. She noted that the group's years of service encompassed 25 governorships. Even so, "we'll still have a presence, we'll still be there in spirit," she said Thursday.

"Our organization cherishes its 110-year history as the custodians of this sacred shrine, but recognizes a greater role from the state is required to address the ever-increasing needs of the structure. Finally, that day has arrived," she said.

In March, amid worries about the costly upkeep of the Alamo, the land office gave the DRT 120 days notice that the state was terminating its contract.

At the time, DRT then-president general Ellen McCaffrey, said "while we regret our changing role in its daily management, it does not diminish our unending passion for the preservation of the Shrine of Texas Liberty, and we look forward to maintaining our library collection as a historical resource for all Texans to enjoy."